PBA Finals: Cone hopes Game 3 win the spark plug for Ginebra | ABS-CBN

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PBA Finals: Cone hopes Game 3 win the spark plug for Ginebra

PBA Finals: Cone hopes Game 3 win the spark plug for Ginebra

Kennedy Caacbay,

ABS-CBN News

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Ginebra coach Tim Cone. PBA Images

MANILA, Philippines – No team wants to fall into a 3-1 hole in a best-of-7 series.

It is undoubtedly hard to come back into a series with that kind of deficit -- that's why Barangay coach Tim Cone is hopeful that their Game 3 triumph is the spark plug they need to wake up and equalize in the 2024 PBA Governors' Cup Finals on Sunday against the TNT Tropang Giga.

"I think, coming from the San Miguel series, we were just a little worn out, not as focused as we should be. The two games kinda woke us up--hopefully, this wakes us up and gets us going this series," said Cone.

"This one tonight won't mean much if we don't get the one on Sunday," he added.

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Cone also talked about the packed schedule of the Finals, which he said exhausted his players.

"Obviously, we had to spend a lot of energy to win this one, and I'm hoping we could find a way to get that energy to play on Sunday. It's tough when you're in the Finals and playing Wednesday, Friday, Sunday. It's a real grind for the players."

Ginebra veterans such as LA Tenorio, who started in Game 3, and Joe Devance, who has delivered valuable minutes off the bench, have stepped up to extend Cone's rotation.

"He's [JDV] taking painkillers to handle his knee. He's doing everything he possibly can to play and to be ready," Cone said regarding Devance's condition. "His teammates see that and they recognize that."

"Secondary was we felt that if LA can get out and play 12, 15, 18 minutes, then that would extend our rotation a little bit and we'd have a longer rotation and give it a little bit more rest for the guys," Cone said about Tenorio's contributions.

Amid these challenges, Cone and company are taking on the Tropang Giga again in Game 4 on Sunday. Tip-off is at 7:35 p.m.

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Spikers' Turf: Cignal, Criss Cross look to extend win streaks

Spikers' Turf: Cignal, Criss Cross look to extend win streaks

ABS-CBN News

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The Cignal HD Spikers in the 2025 Spikers' Turf Open Conference. PVL MediaThe Cignal HD Spikers in the 2025 Spikers' Turf Open Conference. PVL MediaThe Cignal HD Spikers in the 2025 Spikers' Turf Open Conference. PVL Media

MANILA -- Archrivals Criss Cross and Cignal look to keep their winning run going when they face off against separate foes in the 2025 Spikers' Turf Open Conference, Wednesday at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig.

The HD Spikers will be up against the winless VNS-Laticrete Griffins at 6:00 p.m., while the King Crunchers take on a depleted PGJC-Navy Sealions squad at 3:30 p.m.

Cignal is coming off back-to-back straight-sets wins against Alpha Insurance and Savouge, and will once again rely on the explosive duo of Jau Umandal and Steven Rotter to carry their offense.

"Our preparations remain the same for every team – we study them thoroughly and give our best effort," said Cignal head coach Dexter Clamor in Filipino. "It's crucial to secure early wins to qualify for the semifinals."

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Despite their slow start, the Griffins showed resilience in their previous match, rallying from a two-set deficit against the Sealions before falling short in a tight Set 5. This time, young standouts CJ Segui and RK Medino, who scored 26 and 24 points, respectively, will look to lead the charge.

Criss Cross is also hoping to maintain momentum and solidify its position in the standings. The King Crunchers will once again lean on Jaron Requinton and Kim Malabunga, both of whom have delivered consistently in their first two wins.

Navy, which split its first two games, will bank on Greg Dolor and John Ashley Jacob to spearhead the attack, with top hitter Joeven Dela Vega's status still uncertain for today's match.

Kicking off the triple-header, Savouge and Alpha Insurance clash at 1 p.m., with the Spin Doctors eyeing their second win in three games.

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